INTRODUCTION: Here we finish the life of Abraham and move on to the birth of his grandsons. Little is told concerning the end of Abraham's life. Holy Scripture follows the line of Christ and thus the narrative soon turns to Jacob.I. ANOTHER MARRIAGE - verses 1-4.
After Sarah's death Abraham remarried and had more children [Genesis 2:18]. This was a fulfillment of Genesis 17:4.II. GOD'S PLAN REMEMBERED - verses 5-6.
Abraham remembered God's plan for Isaac and the purpose of Ishmael's departure. He therefore knew that these other sons must not be left to challenge Isaac's position as the heir of promise and ancestor of the Messiah [Romans 9:7]. They were therefore sent away with gifts that no doubt gave them a prosperous start in life.III. ABRAHAM'S DEATH - verses 7-10.
Abraham died believing God's promise. He did not own Palestine nor had the Savior yet come, but he knew that God's promises are sure [Hebrews 11:13]. He was buried with Sarah in the land that he will one day rise to claim in Christ's future kingdom. Notice that death is described as a "gathering to his people." This does not refer to burial but to the immortality of the soul. We are all gathered to our people at death. Are you part of the world or of the family of God?We should note that Ishmael participated in Abraham's burial. This reveals that all connection was not broken when Hagar and Ishmael left. One wonders if Abraham did not send them assistance from time to time.
IV. ISAAC BLESSED - verse 11.
Isaac lived a quiet but prosperous life. We wonder if God's former appearance at Lahairoi is not what attracted Isaac to the place [Genesis 16:7-14].V. THE GENERATIONS OF ISHMAEL - verses 12-18. Remember that the phrase "Now these are the generations of ..." occurs ten times in the book of Genesis. Genesis is the book of beginnings.
VI. REBEKAH CONCEIVES - verses 19-23.
Rebekah's barrenness was a trial to both Abraham and Isaac. Isaac was sixty years old before children were born. Perhaps Abraham was tempted to wonder if he had found the right girl for Isaac. Finally Isaac prayed and God answered. It seems that the Lord wanted it to be seen that His special providence attended the birth of these men through whom Christ would come. God often carries out His work in a way that tries the faith of His people.Rebekah noticed in her pregnancy more movement than was usual in the womb. She inquired of God and was told that she was carrying twins. These twins were to be the fathers of two nations (Edom and Israel). Their descendents were to be very different types of people.
In God's plan the younger was to be the greater of the two. While this was very contrary to human custom yet it is often the plan of God's electing grace [Romans 9:10-15]. God does not follow the path of man's wisdom.
VII. JACOB AND ESAU - verses 24-28.
Before the birth of these boys the Lord had already promised Jacob the superior position. However, it seems that both Esau and Isaac determined to make it otherwise. Esau was a sportsman who lived like a prince. Jacob was a plain man who was probably stuck with much of the drudgery at home. Isaac favored Esau and seemed determined to reverse God's decision. Rebekah loved Jacob and later used craft to promote him. In looking at this sad situation there are several thoughts that are worth our meditation:A. God's word should always be submitted to. Both Isaac and Esau should have realized that God knew best.
B. Favoritism is destructive in a family. Should we have a special closeness to one of our children it should never be allowed to hurt the others. Sadly the favorite child is often spoiled and ruined.
C. God does not need our craft in carrying out His plans. Both Jacob and Rebekah sinned in their attempts to "help God out." This will be evident as we proceed.
VIII. ESAU SELLS HIS BIRTHRIGHT - verses 29-34.
A. Esau was likeable, manly, yet a natural (unregenerate) man. He was only interested in what he could see. His heart was on the things of this world [Hebrews 12:16]. This birthright meant nothing to Esau. He did not care for the promises of God or the coming Messiah. He was quite willing to sacrifice the permanent for the temporal. In despising his birthright he thus fulfilled God's plan. (Do we value our spiritual opportunities. Perhaps the spiritual opportunities afforded us in a godly home or in being raised in this church are our birthright. How many turn from the gospel for a few worldly pleasures.)B. There are many things about Jacob that we do not like. He was sometimes deceitful, unloving to Esau, and thought it his duty to assist God. Jacob, however, was a man of faith. He saw the unseen and the future. He treasured the birthright. He wanted God's spiritual blessings. Jacob's sin here was not in wanting the birthright. By God's promise it already belonged to him. His crime was the manner in which he sought to obtain it. He should have been kind to Esau and allowed God to take care of the future. Even those with true faith often fail through infirmity of the flesh.
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